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Today’s Case

Colorado NIL collective hosting 'Prime Time Elite Dinner'

Wanna hang out with Coach Prime? It’ll cost you.

A lot.

5430 Alliance, a collective that supports Colorado sports, is leveraging coach Deion Sanders for an NIL fundraising dinner later this month in the hopes that the event could raise hundreds of thousands for Buffaloes athletes.

While the VIP Prime Table is already sold out ($20,543 and allows donors to sit at the same table as Sanders), there are multiple donation options available:

• Prime Table ($17,543 with 10 seats for dinner and a group photo with Sanders)

• Elite Table ($17,543 with eight seats for dinner with two Colorado athletes)

• Black and Gold Table ($12,543 with eight seats for dinner with either Colorado athletes or coaches)

• Buffs Table ($7,543 for one table with 10 seats for dinner)

If fans can’t afford a full table, they can purchase a ticket for dinner for $1,053.40. If Buffs fans just want to sponsor a plate, they can do so for $250.

The “Prime Time Elite Dinner” will be held the weekend of the Buffs’ Black and Gold Spring Game on April 26.

The Verdict

• Smart move by the collective to partner with Coach Prime

  • As discussed above, big money is already flowing in to the collective for this event - and Coach Prime is the primary reason why.

  • While the 5430 Collective generally does great work, it would be much harder for them to gain that level of NIL donations without Sanders in attendance and buying into the mission of the collective. His star power and presence move the needle (and wallets).

• Will more collectives follow suit?

  • While collectives across the country should partner with athletes, coaches and boosters to host more dinners and meet and greets, it’s hard to imagine that many of them would have the impact of having a Deion Sanders-like figure in the room.

  • With John Calipari recently named Arkansas head basketball coach, along with access to three billionaire Razorbacks athletics supporters, I could see a similar event taking place soon to raise money for Arkansas Edge, the school’s official collective.

• A more sustainable model is needed

  • While it’s nice to ask fans to donate their hard-earned money to support the collective, it’s not a viable long-term solution. (Additionally, donor fatigue is very real amongst collectives.)

  • In addition to regular donations of all amounts, a model where the collectives are connected to brands and organizations for athlete opportunities and relationship building is the best way forward. (Although much easier said than done.)

John Calipari gains big NIL dollars at Arkansas

Coach Cal will have access to three billionaire donors related to Arkansas athletics. Check out this video for more!

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